Thekkady Boat Landing
Thekkady Boat Landing is the primary entry point for the world-famous boat safaris in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The boat ride takes place on the Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam in 1895. This is one of the few places in the world where you can observe wildlife f rom the safety of a boat as animals come down to the water’s edge to drink. The lake is surrounded by dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, which are home to tigers, elephants, sambar deer, and various species of birds. The boat landing area is a bustling hub where tourists gather to board the double-decker boats operated by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Forest Department. The journey on the water lasts about 90 minutes, covering a significant portion of the lake’s shoreline. The sight of submerged tree stumps rising from the water creates a hauntingly beautiful landscape that is unique to Thekkady. The area is strictly regulated to protect the environment, and visitors must travel from the parking lot to the landing site via forest department shuttle buses. It is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers who want to capture the essence of Kerala’s wilderness without trekking deep into the jungle.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Wildlife / Lake SafariEntry Fees:
Multiple Charge Tiers: The entry fee for the Tiger Reserve is 45 for Indians and 500 for foreigners. The boat ticket costs approximately 250 per person for the lower deck and slightly more for the upper deck. Shuttle bus service from the parking to the landing site costs ...Multiple Charge Tiers: The entry fee for the Tiger Reserve is 45 for Indians and 500 for foreigners. The boat ticket costs approximately 250 per person for the lower deck and slightly more for the upper deck. Shuttle bus service from the parking to the landing site costs 20. Camera fees are 50 for still cameras and 300 for video cameras. It is highly recommended to book boat tickets online in advance via the official forest department website to avoid long queues.Timing:
Safari Slots: Boat trips are scheduled at 07:30 AM, 09:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 01:45 PM, and 03:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The 07:30 AM slot is the best for wildlife sightings and calm waters. The evening 03:30 PM slot offers beautiful lighting and...Safari Slots: Boat trips are scheduled at 07:30 AM, 09:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 01:45 PM, and 03:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The 07:30 AM slot is the best for wildlife sightings and calm waters. The evening 03:30 PM slot offers beautiful lighting and a higher chance of seeing animals coming for a final drink before sunset.Special Events:
Chitra Pournami Festival: This event occurs in April or May and is the only time the ancient Mangala Devi Temple, located deep inside the forest, is open to the public. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists gather at the entry points near the boat landing to take jeeps up the...Chitra Pournami Festival: This event occurs in April or May and is the only time the ancient Mangala Devi Temple, located deep inside the forest, is open to the public. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists gather at the entry points near the boat landing to take jeeps up the mountain. It is a vibrant cultural event where traditional rituals are performed, and the forest comes alive with the sounds of chants and bells for one single day.Best Photo Spots:
Upper Deck of the Boat: Offers the best height for photographing animals on the shore without the lake's reflection interfering.
The Dead Trees Backdrop: Framing the boat against the skeletal remains of trees in the water creates a classic ...Upper Deck of the Boat: Offers the best height for photographing animals on the shore without the lake's reflection interfering.
The Dead Trees Backdrop: Framing the boat against the skeletal remains of trees in the water creates a classic "Thekkady" photograph.
The Forest Jetty: Capturing the boats lined up against the backdrop of the misty Periyar hills in the early morning.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Lake Boat Safari: Board the KTDC boat for a 1. 5-hour cruise to spot elephants, gaurs, and wild boars along the banks.
Nature Walks and Green Walks: Guided treks are available starting near the landing area for those who want to explore the forest on foot with a ranger.
Bamboo Rafting: For a more intimate experience, sign up for bamboo rafting which takes you to the interior parts of the lake.
Photography: Capture the rare Nilgiri Langurs often seen playing on the trees near the boat jetty.
Visit the Mangala Devi Temple: If visiting during the festival, take the special jeep trek from near the reserve entrance.
Exploring Kumily Market: After the boat ride, head to the nearby town to shop for fre...
Information
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Why Famous:
Premier Wildlife Safari: It is famous as India’s premier spot for water-based wildlife viewing. The chance to see herds of wild elephants swimming or grazing by the lake is the biggest draw for international and domestic tourists. It is also the gateway to the Periyar T...Premier Wildlife Safari: It is famous as India’s premier spot for water-based wildlife viewing. The chance to see herds of wild elephants swimming or grazing by the lake is the biggest draw for international and domestic tourists. It is also the gateway to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the best-managed protected areas in the country. The iconic image of dead tree trunks standing in the middle of the lake has become synonymous with Kerala Tourism. Additionally, the proximity to the spice-growing town of Kumily adds to its popularity as a complete travel destination. -
Architecture:
Colonial and Functional Design: The Boat Landing area features a mix of old colonial-style jetties and modern passenger terminals. The main boarding building is a long, rectangular structure approximately 120 feet in length, designed to manage large crowds. It features sl...Colonial and Functional Design: The Boat Landing area features a mix of old colonial-style jetties and modern passenger terminals. The main boarding building is a long, rectangular structure approximately 120 feet in length, designed to manage large crowds. It features sloped tiled roofs typical of Kerala architecture to drain heavy monsoon rains. The boats themselves are double-decker vessels, usually 50 to 60 feet long, with a seating capacity of about 40 to 60 passengers. They are built with reinforced hulls for safety on the lake. The walkways leading to the boats are made of heavy-duty timber and concrete, extending 50 feet into the water to accommodate varying lake levels throughout the seasons. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Madurai Airport (140 KMS) and Kochi Airport (190 KMS) are the nearest.
By Train: Kottayam Railway Station (110 KMS) is the nearest rail connection.
By Road: Thekkady is well-connected to major citie... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Periyar Lake (0 KMS), 2. Elephant Junction (4 KMS), 3. Abraham’s Spice Garden (3 KMS), 4. Kadathanadan Kalari Centre (2 KMS), 5. Murikkady (5 KMS), 6. Pandikuzhi (5 KMS), 7. Chellarkovil (15 KMS), 8. Vandanmedu (25 KMS), 9. Mullaperiyar Dam (View from boat), 10. Gavi (40 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Wearing life jackets is mandatory throughout the boat ride; do not stand up or lean over the rails.
Packing: Carry binoculars for better wildlife viewing and wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment. <...
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